Step Up and Lead: Are You Making Things Happen?
- ted
- Mar 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 26
You’ve probably heard the saying:
"There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who ask, 'What just happened?'"
This isn’t just about personality types—it’s about leadership. Leaders aren’t just people with titles or authority; they’re the ones who decide to take action instead of waiting for life to unfold around them. Whether in college, your career, or any part of life, leadership is about stepping up, making decisions, and driving change.
So, which group are you in? More importantly, which group do you want to be in?
The Makers: Those Who Make Things Happen
Makers are the leaders, whether they have an official title or not. They take initiative, solve problems, and create opportunities. You’ll recognize them because they:
Step up instead of waiting for instructions.
Take risks and learn from failure rather than avoiding challenges.
See problems as opportunities to create solutions.
Inspire others by their actions, not just their words.
Build strong relationships that open doors and create lasting impact.
Makers understand that leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room—it’s about making an impact. They don’t wait for permission to take action; they see what needs to be done and make it happen.
The Watchers: Those Who Watch Things Happen
Watchers aren’t necessarily passive, but they hesitate to take the lead. They might have great ideas and strong opinions, but they don’t turn them into action. Instead, they:
Wait for the “right time” instead of creating their own opportunities.
Follow trends rather than setting them.
Support others’ success but don’t push themselves forward.
Play it safe rather than stepping outside their comfort zone.
Watchers often admire leaders but hesitate to take on leadership roles themselves. They might be waiting for someone to invite them to step up, not realizing that leadership begins the moment they decide to take action.
The Confused: Those Who Ask, "What Just Happened?"
This group isn’t necessarily less capable—they’re just unprepared. They’re often caught off guard by change because they’re not paying attention or taking proactive steps. They:
Miss out on opportunities until it’s too late.
Struggle to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
Let life happen to them instead of shaping their own path.
Often feel stuck because they’re unsure of where to start.
Leadership is about awareness. Those who are constantly caught off guard struggle to lead because they’re always reacting instead of planning ahead.
Leadership Is a Choice
The good news? No one is permanently stuck in a single category. Leadership isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a mindset you develop. In some areas of life, you might be a Maker, while in others, you’re a Watcher. The key is recognizing where you stand and making the choice to lead.
For example:
You might take the lead in group projects but hesitate to network.
You could be proactive in your coursework but passive about planning your career.
You may stay informed about industry trends but never take action on them.
The shift from observer to leader happens when you decide to take responsibility for your growth.
Becoming a Maker and a Leader
If you want to step into leadership—whether in your academic life, career, or personal growth—here’s how to start:
Develop Awareness – Stay informed about opportunities, trends, and challenges in your field. Leaders know what’s happening before it happens.
Take Initiative – Volunteer for leadership roles, start projects, or find ways to solve problems rather than waiting for someone else to do it.
Make Decisions – Small decisions build confidence. Practice making choices and following through.
Embrace Failure – Every leader fails at some point. The difference is they learn from it instead of letting it stop them.
Surround Yourself with Leaders – Being around action-takers makes it easier to develop the same mindset.
Final Thoughts
Leadership isn’t about waiting for a title—it’s about choosing to make things happen. Whether in college or your career, the people who step up and take action are the ones who shape their futures.
So, which group do you see yourself in right now? More importantly, what are you going to do to become a leader?
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